Seasiders Close In On Austin

According to Swindon manager Danny Wilson, Blackpool are closing in on a deal to sign striker Charlie Austin.

The 21 year old hotshot has scored 37 goals in just 63 appearances for the League One side after being plucked from non league obscurity.

Speaking after his side’s 0-0 draw with Tranmere Rovers tonight – in which Austin missed a penalty and hit the bar – Wilson stated that the Seasiders are close to matching Swindon’s valuation of the player:

‘As far as we’re concerned we’ve got one offer that’s getting fairly close, which is Blackpool.

‘I don’t know today whether Andrew (Fitton, Town chairman) has received anything because he’s in America. So I can’t comment on that.

‘But the last I heard was that was the one that was coming near to what they were talking about.

‘We think that, if the valuation comes to near to what we are, then the decision’s down to Charlie.’

Austin has been linked with a string of clubs – most recently Burnley and Derby County – and seems unlikely to stay with Danny Wilson’s side for much longer having handed in a transfer request earlier this month.

Should the Seasiders complete his signing before the transfer window closes, it would be seen as a real coup for Ian Holloway’s side and you would think that Austin would suit Ollie’s system and ethos perfectly.

As always, Vital will bring you all the transfer news as soon as it happens this January.